Floyd Mayweather: Only hype separates Andre Berto and Manny Pacquiao

FLOYD MAYWEATHER insists the only difference between Andre Berto and Manny Pacquiao is the ‘hype’ behind the latter.

At a press conference to officially announce his September 12 clash with Berto at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Mayweather fielded questions on why he is closing out his career against a fighter who is 3-3 in his last six bouts.

The unbeaten star claimed Berto is a worthwhile opponent due to his exciting style and even compared Andre to his last victim, Manny Pacquiao.

“I chose Berto because he’s very exciting. Andre Berto is going to push Floyd Mayweather to the limit. That’s one thing I do know,” he said.

“Berto always gives an exciting fight. If he gets knocked down he gets back up. He always give 100 percent. Fast hands, good boxer.

“The difference between Andre Berto and Pacquiao is you guys [to the media] put hype behind Pacquiao. My job was to go out there and be Floyd Mayweather and be a chess player and that’s what I did. I found a way to win.

“When you look at the two divisions I fight in, there’s one man who stands all alone. I looked at the division and asked who’s always in a tough exciting fight, who has quick hands and who always gives it 100 percent, it was Andre Berto.

“This is a guy I can’t overlook. He’s dedicated to the sport just like myself and he’s going to push me.”

The fight will air on pay-per-view in America and will close out a multi-fight contract Mayweather has with broadcast giant Showtime.

Floyd also reiterated that it would be his final fight as a professional boxer, despite speculation he will try to move to 50-0 and beat Rocky Marciano’s 49-0 long-standing unbeaten record.

“September 12 is my last dance. On September 13 I just want to sit back and watch some football. I want to watch my children get the best education. And I want to spend every day with my kids. These are the best days of my life,” he noted.

“Number 49, this is it. I’ve had a tremendous career. I’m older, wiser and my health is more important than anything. September 12 is my last fight. All 48 fights played a key, but number 48 was the most important.

“I’ve had a remarkable career. I wouldn’t change anything. We all make mistakes. We live and we learn but I wouldn’t change anything.”